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Scene Map 60
# PG SLUGLINE
1 2
INT A DIM DANK PRISON INTERROGATION ROOM NIGHT
2 4
INT A MIDDLE SCHOOL-TYPE CLASSROOM DAY
3 5
EXT GRAND CONCERT HALL NIGHT
4 7
INT OPULENT OFFICE CONTINUOUS
5 8
EXT A HUGE CHAOTIC TANK BATTLEFIELD DAY
6 11
INT BUKOVS' SMALL APARTMENT NIGHT
7 12
INT BUKOVS' BEDROOM - THAT NIGHT
8 12
EXT UNIVERSITY SQUARE - FILE FOOTAGE DAY
9 14
EXT MINISTRY OF CULTURE - FILE FOOTAGE DAY
10 16
INT AIRLINER DAY
11 19
EXT SFO PRIVATE ARRIVALS TERMINAL DAY
12 20
INT DINING ROOM NIGHT
13 23
INT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OPEN WARD AFTERNOON
14 26
INT HOTEL BALLROOM EVENING
15 26
EXT HOTEL PORTE COCHERE NIGHT
16 27
INT TAXI IN SAN FRANCISCO CONTINUOUS
17 30
INT GOLDRUSH SALOON – NIGHT
18 33
INT TOWNHOUSE CONTINUOUS
19 36
EXT COLUMBUS AVENUE NIGHT
20 38
EXT FRONT OF THE TOWNHOUSE SAME TIME
21 39
INT MOVING LEARY CAR SAME TIME
22 40
EXT VICTORIAN CLASSIC SAN FRANCISCO NIGHT
23 41
EXT HUNGRY I NIGHT CLUB SAME TIME
24 44
INT POLICE STATION CONTINUOUS
25 46
INT MOSCOW MINISTRY OF CULTURE OFFICE MORNING
26 47
INT SAN FRANCISCO COURTROOM MORNING
27 47
INT A TAXI CONTINUOUS
28 48
INT VICTORIAN LATER
29 51
INT VICTORIAN KITCHEN - LATER THAT EVENING
30 53
INT OLDSMOBILE CONTINUOUS
31 55
INT TOWNHOUSE CLOSET SAME TIME
32 57
INT TOWNHOUSE/BEDROOM CONTINUOUS
33 58
INT LEARYS' PARLOR CONTINUOUS
34 61
INT OLDS CONTINUOUS
35 63
INT CONSULATE CONTINUOUS
36 65
INT DINING ROOM NIGHT
37 67
EXT SOVIET CONSULATE DAY
38 68
INT A DARK GRIMY JAIL CELL NIGHT
39 72
INT SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER BUILDING DAY
40 73
INT GOLDRUSH SALOON NIGHT
41 74
EXT SKI MOUNTAIN DAY
42 75
INT LEARY HOUSE EVENING
43 79
INT A THIRD-FLOOR APARTMENT ACROSS THE STREET DAY
44 85
EXT SAN FRANCISCO YACHT HARBOR DAY
45 86
INT MARSHAL ZHUKOV'S BERLIN CHALET OFFICE DAY
46 87
INT ZHUKOV'S HEADQUARTERS CONTINUOUS
47 91
EXT HUNGRY I CLUB - LATE NIGHT
48 92
EXT BOTTLING COMPANY DAY
49 94
EXT PALACE HOTEL EVENING
50 96
EXT HOTEL LOBBY - LATER THAT EVENING
51 97
INT GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE ROOM DAY
52 99
EXT SAN FRANCISCO - WIDE AERIAL VIEW - SUNSET
53 100
INT BOTTLING ROOM MORNING
54 101
INT WASHINGTON D.C. PRESS CONFERENCE DAY
55 102
INT OFFICE OF GEORGE KENNAN DAY
56 104
INT TAXI – CONTINUOUS
57 105
EXT D.C. AVENUE CONTINUOUS
58 106
INT WHITE HOUSE OVAL OFFICE DAY
59 108
INT SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT DAY
60 110
INT UNITED NATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL MORNING
Scene Map
60
# PG SLUGLINE
1 2
INT A DIM DANK PRISON INTERROGATION ROOM NIGHT
INT. A DIM DANK PRISON INTERROGATION ROOM - NIGHT
INT. A DIM DANK PRISON INTERROGATION ROOM - NIGHT ANNA BUKOVA, ~30, tall, slender, and elegant even in a grey jail suit, STANDS in a corner and squints as a HOT floodlight hits her face. Her stoic dignity belies her jeopardy. A SMARMY, uniformed male OFFICIAL, early 30s, enters, sits at
2 4
INT A MIDDLE SCHOOL-TYPE CLASSROOM DAY
INT. A MIDDLE SCHOOL-TYPE CLASSROOM - DAY
INT. A MIDDLE SCHOOL-TYPE CLASSROOM - DAY CARD: MOSCOW, RUSSIA - OCTOBER 1955 A mixed-gender class of some 20 young STUDENTS are rapt as DIMITRI BUKOV, ~35, a tall, robust, charismatic figure, paces around a grand piano and a music notation-adorned chalkboard.
3 5
EXT GRAND CONCERT HALL NIGHT
EXT. GRAND CONCERT HALL - NIGHT
EXT. GRAND CONCERT HALL - NIGHT A poster, in English, reads: APPEARING TONIGHT - DIMITRI BUKOV & THE KYIV PIANO QUINTET INT. ELABORATE CONCERT HALL - CONTINUOUS
4 7
INT OPULENT OFFICE CONTINUOUS
INT. OPULENT OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
INT. OPULENT OFFICE - CONTINUOUS ALEXEI ANTONOV, late 40s, sharp, intense, with a pock-marked face, sits in a plush chair. The same two grim-faced MEN seen earlier sit nearby. Alexei answers the knock. ALEXEI
5 8
EXT A HUGE CHAOTIC TANK BATTLEFIELD DAY
EXT. A HUGE CHAOTIC TANK BATTLEFIELD - DAY
EXT. A HUGE CHAOTIC TANK BATTLEFIELD - DAY BEGIN FLASHBACK: Young army LIEUTENANT Dimitri Bukov RUNS out in front of a Soviet tank, shooting, with a platoon of his men beside him. DIMITRI
6 11
INT BUKOVS' SMALL APARTMENT NIGHT
INT. BUKOVS' SMALL APARTMENT - NIGHT
INT. BUKOVS' SMALL APARTMENT - NIGHT Dimitri enters and walks past a shelf that holds his framed medals and commendations. Pictures and regalia of his heroic World War II service are artfully arranged. A radio softly plays the exact same Soviet patriotic music.
7 12
INT BUKOVS' BEDROOM - THAT NIGHT
INT. BUKOVS' BEDROOM - THAT NIGHT
INT. BUKOVS' BEDROOM - THAT NIGHT Anna is in bed. Dimitri lays down beside her and whispers. DIMITRI (to her ear) I need to tell you something.
8 12
EXT UNIVERSITY SQUARE - FILE FOOTAGE DAY
EXT. UNIVERSITY SQUARE - FILE FOOTAGE - DAY
EXT. UNIVERSITY SQUARE - FILE FOOTAGE - DAY Dimitri emerges from the university center and walks across campus to a building marked MOSCOW PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL. INT. PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL - DAY
9 14
EXT MINISTRY OF CULTURE - FILE FOOTAGE DAY
EXT. MINISTRY OF CULTURE - FILE FOOTAGE - DAY
EXT. MINISTRY OF CULTURE - FILE FOOTAGE - DAY Dimitri glumly walks into another gray and faceless Soviet- era building in a drab section of Moscow. INT. MINISTRY OF CULTURE RECEPTION - DAY Greeting Dimitri at reception is SERGEI SMIRNOV, mid-60s,
10 16
INT AIRLINER DAY
INT. AIRLINER - DAY
INT. AIRLINER - DAY Two of only ten passengers, Dimitri and Anna enter and settle into plush vintage leather seats. The plane nosily takes off. ANNA (muses to Dimitri)
11 19
EXT SFO PRIVATE ARRIVALS TERMINAL DAY
EXT. SFO PRIVATE ARRIVALS TERMINAL - DAY
EXT. SFO PRIVATE ARRIVALS TERMINAL - DAY A limo from the Soviet consulate is waiting for the couple. INT. LIMO TO CONSULATE - HALLOWEEN EVE They enjoy their first glimpse of a teeming San Francisco and head into town to arrive at an imposing mid-rise building in
12 20
INT DINING ROOM NIGHT
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT Dimitri and Anna, in full dinner-dress, enter the grand art deco dining room and take a moment to admire it. Svetlana and Consul IVAN POPOV, 60s, also distinguished and
13 23
INT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OPEN WARD AFTERNOON
INT. CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OPEN WARD - AFTERNOON
INT. CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OPEN WARD - AFTERNOON Anna, escorted by several nurses and doctors moves from bed to bed, looking at charts, sitting to chat with the children, briefly stroking their faces, chatting, and holding hands. ANNA
14 26
INT HOTEL BALLROOM EVENING
INT. HOTEL BALLROOM - EVENING
INT. HOTEL BALLROOM - EVENING The grand space is set up expo/trade-show style. Booths and tables display brochures and posters proclaiming the MUSICAL, DANCE, CIRCUS, CULTURAL, etc., attractions of many NATIONS. Costumed buyers, promoters, and managers cruise booths with
15 26
EXT HOTEL PORTE COCHERE NIGHT
EXT. HOTEL PORTE COCHERE - NIGHT
EXT. HOTEL PORTE COCHERE - NIGHT Dimitri emerges from the hotel to the busy sidewalk. A throng of loud drunken costumed Halloween revelers flock on Market Street, many in scanty exotic drag getups.
16 27
INT TAXI IN SAN FRANCISCO CONTINUOUS
INT. TAXI IN SAN FRANCISCO - CONTINUOUS
INT. TAXI IN SAN FRANCISCO - CONTINUOUS Dimitri looks around in the zombie-motif decorated cab. CABBIE Hello. Where to, mister?
17 30
INT GOLDRUSH SALOON – NIGHT
INT. GOLDRUSH SALOON – NIGHT
INT. GOLDRUSH SALOON – NIGHT Dimitri looks over where two attractive young WOMEN, mid- 20s, sit at the bar. At the bouncer's SIGNAL, one rises and LEAVES. The other, LUCY, costumed in a sexy Cleopatra outfit smiles at Dimitri and beckons him to the stool next to her.
18 33
INT TOWNHOUSE CONTINUOUS
INT. TOWNHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
INT. TOWNHOUSE - CONTINUOUS IN A LARGE CLOSET: CHAD PAUL, 45, fat and slovenly in a stained shirt, sits in a dim space the size of a walk-in closet engrossed in a nudist magazine. TWO wind-up 16mm sound CAMERAS are mounted on
19 36
EXT COLUMBUS AVENUE NIGHT
EXT. COLUMBUS AVENUE - NIGHT
EXT. COLUMBUS AVENUE - NIGHT He emerges on COLUMBUS AVE and runs LEFT, around the corner. Blaring traffic and trick-or-treaters stop and laugh as he shivers in his black socks and underwear, still BULGING. He sees a police car across the street and madly runs and
20 38
EXT FRONT OF THE TOWNHOUSE SAME TIME
EXT. FRONT OF THE TOWNHOUSE - SAME TIME
EXT. FRONT OF THE TOWNHOUSE - SAME TIME Lucy, now re-dressed and with Dimitri's wallet and passport in hand, and Chad, beaten and bloodied, rush out the front gate, stumble, and crash into Bill, almost slapstick. CHAD
21 39
INT MOVING LEARY CAR SAME TIME
INT. MOVING LEARY CAR - SAME TIME
INT. MOVING LEARY CAR - SAME TIME BEGIN DIMITRI'S DREAM SEQUENCE: Through his eyes we see musical notes come to vivid life in fractal patterns of color and form as they sing and dance around him in dazzling wonder to the strains of Rachmaninoff.
22 40
EXT VICTORIAN CLASSIC SAN FRANCISCO NIGHT
EXT. VICTORIAN CLASSIC SAN FRANCISCO - NIGHT
EXT. VICTORIAN CLASSIC SAN FRANCISCO - NIGHT They pull up to the curb and exit. Several neighbors shake their heads and stare as Tim and Mary help him up the stairs. INT. VICTORIAN ENTRY PARLOR - CONTINUOUS It's a textbook example of the height of Victorian culture.
23 41
EXT HUNGRY I NIGHT CLUB SAME TIME
EXT. HUNGRY I NIGHT CLUB - SAME TIME
EXT. HUNGRY I NIGHT CLUB - SAME TIME The trio park across the street from the crowded entrance with "MARY LEARY & LENNY BRUCE-TONIGHT" on the marquee, and lead Dimitri by the hand as they dodge traffic to the door. DOORMAN
24 44
INT POLICE STATION CONTINUOUS
INT. POLICE STATION - CONTINUOUS
INT. POLICE STATION - CONTINUOUS The entire Hungry i audience and staff are lined up and mill about and wait to be processed. The desk SERGEANT, late-50s, weary and obese, gestures toward the petrified Dimitri. SERGEANT
25 46
INT MOSCOW MINISTRY OF CULTURE OFFICE MORNING
INT. MOSCOW MINISTRY OF CULTURE OFFICE - MORNING
INT. MOSCOW MINISTRY OF CULTURE OFFICE - MORNING Sergei glances up at his wall clock and frowns. It's 10:45, Dimitri is overdue. He picks up a vintage phone and dials. SERGEI (to phone)
26 47
INT SAN FRANCISCO COURTROOM MORNING
INT. SAN FRANCISCO COURTROOM - MORNING
INT. SAN FRANCISCO COURTROOM - MORNING The entire crowd, subdued after a night in jail, is led into the big courtroom in ranks in front of a scowling JUDGE, 80s. They are all disheveled and bleary-eyed. Dimitri now appears composed. The fat SERGEANT scowls, the JUDGE pounds a gavel.
27 47
INT A TAXI CONTINUOUS
INT. A TAXI - CONTINUOUS
INT. A TAXI - CONTINUOUS The three pile in the back seat and it pulls away from the courthouse. They lean back, close their eyes, breathe deeply. MARY
28 48
INT VICTORIAN LATER
INT. VICTORIAN - LATER
INT. VICTORIAN - LATER They enter. Mary goes to the kitchen, makes coffee and begins to prepare some VEGETARIAN dishes. Tim watches as Dimitri goes to the phone, dials the hotel number from memory.
29 51
INT VICTORIAN KITCHEN - LATER THAT EVENING
INT. VICTORIAN KITCHEN - LATER THAT EVENING
INT. VICTORIAN KITCHEN - LATER THAT EVENING Mary is in the kitchen frying rice, eggplant, and tomatoes. Tim and Dimitri come stumbling in. MARY Hello, boys. Did you sleep well?
30 53
INT OLDSMOBILE CONTINUOUS
INT. OLDSMOBILE - CONTINUOUS
INT. OLDSMOBILE - CONTINUOUS Dimitri is faced away and doesn't see Lucy when she exits the bar to the cab. They look expectantly at Mary as she gets in. Tim guns the engine and heads back up Columbus Ave. MARY
31 55
INT TOWNHOUSE CLOSET SAME TIME
INT. TOWNHOUSE CLOSET - SAME TIME
INT. TOWNHOUSE CLOSET - SAME TIME Chad reclines, drinks a beer, thumbs a girly magazine. BILL (O.S.) (from walkie-talkie) Mayday!... Mayday!...
32 57
INT TOWNHOUSE/BEDROOM CONTINUOUS
INT. TOWNHOUSE/BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
INT. TOWNHOUSE/BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Dimitri UNLOCKS the back-alley gate, enters the hallway, then the apartment. He searches around the bedroom, notices some WIRES around the open closet door, looks in and sees the cameras and piles of film cans, files, and binders.
33 58
INT LEARYS' PARLOR CONTINUOUS
INT. LEARYS' PARLOR - CONTINUOUS
INT. LEARYS' PARLOR - CONTINUOUS They enter the room. Dimitri puts the bundle in the middle on the FLOOR. They sit, take deep breaths, and regard it. Dimitri gives Mary back her scarf and opens the bundle. They sit closer around it as the contents spill out.
34 61
INT OLDS CONTINUOUS
INT. OLDS - CONTINUOUS
INT. OLDS - CONTINUOUS She gets in, neatly folds and CONCEALS the shawl and sheet under her seat. Tim again slowly drives around the block. After a moment Mary looks around again, satisfied it's safe. MARY
35 63
INT CONSULATE CONTINUOUS
INT. CONSULATE - CONTINUOUS
INT. CONSULATE - CONTINUOUS Dimitri clutches the bundle of evidence to his chest as he sprints into the building lobby. Two more guards emerge. They frisk him and silently escort him through the ornate marble and gilt building, marching beside him in lockstep to
36 65
INT DINING ROOM NIGHT
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT ANNA IS PRESENT in the gold and crystal dining room just as Dimitri arrives. Their faces flush with EMOTION as they rush to each other, kiss, fall into a heated embrace of relief. The others look on and smile. At length, they are seated,
37 67
EXT SOVIET CONSULATE DAY
EXT. SOVIET CONSULATE - DAY
EXT. SOVIET CONSULATE - DAY The long black consulate limo emerges through the gate and travels through the town. EXT. AIRPORT PRIVATE GATE - DAY The car arrives at the Tupelov Tu-104 jet. Dimitri, Ivan, and
38 68
INT A DARK GRIMY JAIL CELL NIGHT
INT. A DARK GRIMY JAIL CELL - NIGHT
INT. A DARK GRIMY JAIL CELL - NIGHT Dimitri sprawls on the filthy floor--bruised and battered. He looks at his handcuffed wrists, chafed red, flexes his hands, wipes a smear of blood from his mouth, winces in pain, rises, and lurches to the cell door.
39 72
INT SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER BUILDING DAY
INT. SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER BUILDING - DAY
INT. SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER BUILDING - DAY A press conference is underway. The mayor, sheriff, police chief, and a dozen or so plain-clothes types stand passively on a dais behind a lectern surrounded with cameras and microphones. Some twenty reporters are in attendance.
40 73
INT GOLDRUSH SALOON NIGHT
INT. GOLDRUSH SALOON - NIGHT
INT. GOLDRUSH SALOON - NIGHT Carl, Chad, and Bill glumly sit over beers at a rear table. They thumb through a dozen or so domestic and international newspapers with photos of Dimitri and giant headlines. "San Francisco Thugs Kidnap and Torture Red Commie Pianist"
41 74
EXT SKI MOUNTAIN DAY
EXT. SKI MOUNTAIN - DAY
EXT. SKI MOUNTAIN - DAY BEGIN MONTAGE: --Ski run. Bright and sunny. Dimitri and Anna ski into view. --Vladimir and Svetlana expertly follow right behind them. --They stop to catch their breaths and heartily laugh.
42 75
INT LEARY HOUSE EVENING
INT. LEARY HOUSE - EVENING
INT. LEARY HOUSE - EVENING Tim and Mary are quietly at home reading and writing. The doorbell rings. Mary opens it to agents Robert Gilbert and Joan Carlin, the ones who encountered Anna. Tim arrives.
43 79
INT A THIRD-FLOOR APARTMENT ACROSS THE STREET DAY
INT. A THIRD-FLOOR APARTMENT ACROSS THE STREET - DAY
INT. A THIRD-FLOOR APARTMENT ACROSS THE STREET - DAY Another FBI AGENT watches the Soviet Consulate through the window blinds and another dozes as TIM and MARY arrive and are welcomed through the consulate courtyard gates. As the agent watches he picks up a phone and dials a 7-digit number.
44 85
EXT SAN FRANCISCO YACHT HARBOR DAY
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO YACHT HARBOR - DAY
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO YACHT HARBOR - DAY Vladimir drives as the six arrive in a long, black Cadillac limo on an unusually clear, warm day, fashionably dressed for a day on the water. They make their way to a large sailboat named "Natasha" and excitedly go aboard and explore it.
45 86
INT MARSHAL ZHUKOV'S BERLIN CHALET OFFICE DAY
INT. MARSHAL ZHUKOV'S BERLIN CHALET OFFICE - DAY
INT. MARSHAL ZHUKOV'S BERLIN CHALET OFFICE - DAY BEGIN FLASHBACK: Young Captain Dimitri Bukov knocks and enters the office. DIMITRI General Eisenhower's advance party
46 87
INT ZHUKOV'S HEADQUARTERS CONTINUOUS
INT. ZHUKOV'S HEADQUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
INT. ZHUKOV'S HEADQUARTERS - CONTINUOUS Ike's orderly opens several bottles and hands them out to Zhukov's staff. They all raise their bottles. EISENHOWER To peace and harmony in all Europe
47 91
EXT HUNGRY I CLUB - LATE NIGHT
EXT. HUNGRY I CLUB - LATE NIGHT
EXT. HUNGRY I CLUB - LATE NIGHT A crowd awaits. The marquee reads: TONIGHT ONLY: DIMITRI BUKOV & MARY LEARY - also MORT SAUL The Caddy limo containing the six arrives and they emerge to warm cheers, applause, and paparazzi as they enter the club.
48 92
EXT BOTTLING COMPANY DAY
EXT. BOTTLING COMPANY - DAY
EXT. BOTTLING COMPANY - DAY Tim and Mary pull up and park in front of a building marked: SAN FRANCISCO BOTTLERS INC. INT. BOTTLING PLANT - CONTINUOUS It's noisy as clanking bottles on assembly lines snake around
49 94
EXT PALACE HOTEL EVENING
EXT. PALACE HOTEL - EVENING
EXT. PALACE HOTEL - EVENING Anna and Dimitri arrive in the limo at the hotel porte cochere to the coterie of press and paparazzi. They stop, pause, and smile brightly as flash bulbs pop and microphones are thrust in their faces.
50 96
EXT HOTEL LOBBY - LATER THAT EVENING
EXT. HOTEL LOBBY - LATER THAT EVENING
EXT. HOTEL LOBBY - LATER THAT EVENING Anna and Dimitri exit the elevator dressed for a night on the town. On their way through the lobby Dimitri stops for a few moments to play the piano and quickly draws a crowd. EXT. HOTEL ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
51 97
INT GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE ROOM DAY
INT. GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
INT. GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY THEY'RE ALL HERE-- Allen's at the head of the table. To his left are FBI agents Ben, Bob, and Joan. To his right are his CIA agents Carl, Chad, and Bill. ALLEN
52 99
EXT SAN FRANCISCO - WIDE AERIAL VIEW - SUNSET
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - WIDE AERIAL VIEW - SUNSET
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - WIDE AERIAL VIEW - SUNSET A huge PALATIAL ESTATE atop Pacific Heights comes into view. Upwards of 100 fashionable partiers wildly dance and frolic around the terraces and crowded pool and hot tub. Some are naked and chase each other with abandon. Music blares.
53 100
INT BOTTLING ROOM MORNING
INT. BOTTLING ROOM - MORNING
INT. BOTTLING ROOM - MORNING Tim and Mary enter the room with Max. He takes them to a large steel vat full of their cola. Tim takes a half full 100% corked vial out of a pocket and pours it in. Max supervises the thorough mixing process then bottles clank
54 101
INT WASHINGTON D.C. PRESS CONFERENCE DAY
INT. WASHINGTON D.C. PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY
INT. WASHINGTON D.C. PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY An audience of 100 or so officials and press are assembled in the room at the US State Department to hear Anna and Dimitri. DIMITRI (arrives at lectern)
55 102
INT OFFICE OF GEORGE KENNAN DAY
INT. OFFICE OF GEORGE KENNAN - DAY
INT. OFFICE OF GEORGE KENNAN - DAY Dimitri and Anna enter the office and sit. DIMITRI What do you think, George? GEORGE
56 104
INT TAXI – CONTINUOUS
INT. TAXI – CONTINUOUS
INT. TAXI – CONTINUOUS He jumps in and YELLS... GEORGE (to cabbie) Follow that taxi!
57 105
EXT D.C. AVENUE CONTINUOUS
EXT. D.C. AVENUE - CONTINUOUS
EXT. D.C. AVENUE - CONTINUOUS George jumps out of the taxi and comes face-to-face with Allen Dulles and three plain-clothes men with guns drawn. The two police cars chasing George's taxi come to a screeching halt. All traffic stops. Four cops jump out guns
58 106
INT WHITE HOUSE OVAL OFFICE DAY
INT. WHITE HOUSE OVAL OFFICE - DAY
INT. WHITE HOUSE OVAL OFFICE - DAY George and the president sit in the end arm chairs while Anna and Dimitri sit on an adjacent couch. The room is equipped with period cameras and broadcast crew.
59 108
INT SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT DAY
INT. SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT - DAY
INT. SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT - DAY Svetlana and Vladimir approach the ticketing agent. SVETLANA Round-trip ticket to London. AGENT
60 110
INT UNITED NATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL MORNING
INT. UNITED NATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL - MORNING
INT. UNITED NATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL - MORNING The members are in place. All is ready. The film, radio, and television apparatus of the day are deployed and manned. Cola bottles and openers appear at their desks. CARD: TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 1956, 10:55 AM EST

OPERATION MIDNIGHT CLIMAX

A Cold War pianist-turned-asset discovers the Americans are running a domestic mind-altering operation; rescued by a pair of psychedelic psychologists, he and his new allies weaponize the same serum to orchestrate a synchronized worldwide 'Day of Peace' — and learn how fragile ideals are when achieved by deception.

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Overview

Poster
Unique Selling Point

A unique fusion of historical Cold War espionage with the real-life CIA MKUltra program, blending thriller elements with psychedelic exploration and character-driven drama. The script's strongest selling point is its fresh take on a familiar historical period by exposing the psychological warfare operations that actually occurred, combined with the compelling journey of a reluctant Soviet spy caught between superpowers.

AI Verdict & Suggestions

Ratings are subjective. So you get different engines' ratings to compare.

Hover over verdict cards for Executive Summaries

GPT5
 Recommend
Gemini
 Consider
Claude
 Consider
Grok
 Consider
DeepSeek
 Consider
Average Score: 7.1
Note: As Neil Gaiman says, ”People are usually right about what's wrong, and usually wrong about how to fix it.” Consider the suggestions in this analysis as potential catalysts: adopt what strengthens your vision, and let the rest deepen your understanding of what the story wants to become.
Model Upgrade (March 31, 2025): Our AI models have been upgraded as of this date. Feedback quality is higher, but scores may not be directly comparable to earlier analyses. If you're re-analyzing a script, focus on the written feedback rather than score-to-score comparisons.
Key Takeaways
For the Writer:
Focus on refining the script's pacing and structural integrity to create smoother transitions between its tonal shifts, ensuring that the gritty espionage elements blend seamlessly with the psychedelic and utopian themes. Deepen character arcs, particularly for Anna and supporting characters like Tanya, by adding more internal conflict and organic motivations to make their transformations feel earned rather than plot-driven. Address ethical ambiguities, such as the consequences of mass drugging, to add depth and realism, transforming the script from a bold concept into a emotionally resonant and believable story.
For Executives:
The script has strong market potential as a niche historical thriller with timely themes of psychological warfare and global peace, appealing to festivals and audiences interested in Cold War dramas like 'Argo' or 'The Americans.' However, risks include tonal inconsistencies that could alienate viewers, underdeveloped characters weakening emotional stakes, and a rushed climax that undermines narrative credibility—making it not yet production-ready and likely requiring significant revisions to avoid poor reception or festival rejection.
Story Facts
Genres:
Thriller 50% Drama 30% Action 20% Crime 15% Romance 10% Comedy 10% War 5%

Setting: 1950s, specifically around 1955-1956, Primarily set in Moscow, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

Themes: Peace and Harmony, Espionage and Deception, Personal Sacrifice and Redemption, Truth and Perception, The Individual vs. The System, Cultural Exchange and Understanding, Betrayal and Loyalty, The Absurdity of Ideological Conflict

Conflict & Stakes: Dimitri's struggle to navigate espionage, protect his family, and promote peace amidst political tensions, with the stakes being his life and the safety of his family.

Mood: Tense and dramatic, with moments of warmth and hope.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The intertwining of personal relationships with espionage during the Cold War.
  • Major Twist: The revelation of Tanya as a double agent adds layers of betrayal and intrigue.
  • Distinctive Setting: The contrast between the oppressive atmosphere of Soviet Moscow and the vibrant culture of 1950s San Francisco.
  • Innovative Ideas: The concept of a global Day of Peace and Harmony as a unifying event.
  • Genre Blend: Combines elements of romance, thriller, and historical drama.

Comparable Scripts: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Bridge of Spies, The Lives of Others, Atonement, The Pianist, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Americans, The Manchurian Candidate, The Book Thief

🎯 Your Top Priorities

Our stats model looked at how your scores work together and ranked the changes most likely to move your overall rating next draft. Ordered by the most reliable gains first.

You have more than one meaningful lever.

Improving Originality (Script Level) and Conflict (Script Level) will have the biggest impact on your overall score next draft.

1. Originality (Script Level)
Big Impact Script Level
Your current Originality (Script Level) score: 7.2
Expected gain: ~7% closer to an "all Highly Recommends" score
Moves easily Writers at your level typically gain +0.7 per rewrite — a realistic improvement.
Confidence: High (based on ~799 similar revisions)
  • This is your top opportunity right now. Focusing your rewrite energy here gives you the best realistic shot at raising the overall rating.
  • What writers at your level usually do: Writers at a similar level usually raise Originality (Script Level) by about +0.7 in one rewrite.
2. Conflict (Script Level)
Moderate Impact Script Level
Your current Conflict (Script Level) score: 7.2
Expected gain: ~3% closer to an "all Highly Recommends" score
Moves easily Writers at your level typically gain +0.5 per rewrite — a realistic improvement.
Confidence: High (based on ~1,745 similar revisions)
  • This is another strong option. If the top item doesn't fit your rewrite plan, this is a solid alternative.
  • What writers at your level usually do: Writers at a similar level usually raise Conflict (Script Level) by about +0.5 in one rewrite.
3. Engagement
Light Impact Scene Level
Your current Engagement score: 8.5
Expected gain: ~1% closer to an "all Highly Recommends" score
Moves easily Writers at your level typically gain +0.32 per rewrite — a realistic improvement.
Confidence: High (based on ~127 similar revisions)
  • This is another strong option. If the top item doesn't fit your rewrite plan, this is a solid alternative.
  • What writers at your level usually do: Writers at a similar level usually raise Engagement by about +0.32 in one rewrite.
🎓
Skills Worth Developing

These have high model impact but rarely improve through rewrites alone — they're craft investments. Studying these areas through courses, mentorship, or focused reading could unlock gains that a normal rewrite won't.

Originality (Scene Level) Scene Level

Strong model leverage, but writers at your level typically only gain +0.17 per rewrite. (Your score: 8.2)

View Originality (Scene Level) analysis
Unpredictability Scene Level

Strong model leverage, but writers at your level typically only gain +0.17 per rewrite. (Your score: 7.4)

View Unpredictability analysis
Characters (Scene Level) Scene Level

Strong model leverage, but writers at your level typically only gain +0.3 per rewrite. (Your score: 8.2)

View Characters (Scene Level) analysis

Script Level Analysis

Writer Exec

This section delivers a top-level assessment of the screenplay’s strengths and weaknesses — covering overall quality (P/C/R/HR), character development, emotional impact, thematic depth, narrative inconsistencies, and the story’s core philosophical conflict. It helps identify what’s resonating, what needs refinement, and how the script aligns with professional standards.

Screenplay Insights

Breaks down your script along various categories.

Overall Score: 7.26
Key Suggestions:
To improve the script creatively, focus on tightening pacing in the middle sections to heighten emotional stakes and ensure smoother narrative flow, while deepening the motivations and backstories of secondary characters like antagonists to create more nuanced conflicts and richer character dynamics. This will enhance audience engagement and make the story more impactful by balancing action with emotional depth.
Story Critique

Big-picture feedback on the story’s clarity, stakes, cohesion, and engagement.

Key Suggestions:
The script's core strengths lie in its compelling characters and thematic depth, but improvements should focus on refining the plot structure by streamlining subplots and clarifying character motivations to reduce confusion. Enhancing visual storytelling and ensuring smoother scene transitions will improve pacing and emotional engagement, making the narrative more cohesive and impactful for audiences.
Characters

Explores the depth, clarity, and arc of the main and supporting characters.

Key Suggestions:
The character analysis reveals strong foundations for Dimitri, Anna, and Mary as protagonists, with high emotional resonance and thematic integration, but Timothy's role feels underdeveloped and lacks a clear arc, potentially diluting the narrative focus. To improve the script, emphasize character arcs by deepening internal conflicts and emotional wounds, particularly for Dimitri and Anna, to create more relatable and engaging protagonists. Enhance dialogue to reflect cultural identities and growth, and integrate more subtle symbolic elements in their journeys to reinforce themes of loyalty and peace, ensuring the story resonates on a personal level while maintaining historical authenticity.
Emotional Analysis

Breaks down the emotional journey of the audience across the script.

Key Suggestions:
To enhance the script's emotional depth and engagement, focus on diversifying emotional tones early on with more humor and lighthearted moments to break tension, smoothing out intensity peaks to avoid viewer fatigue, and adding layers to secondary characters' arcs for greater empathy and complexity. By incorporating subtle subtext and foreshadowing in key scenes, the narrative can achieve a more nuanced emotional journey, making the story more resonant and human.
Goals and Philosophical Conflict

Evaluates character motivations, obstacles, and sources of tension throughout the plot.

Key Suggestions:
The script's exploration of Dimitri's internal and external goals, particularly the philosophical conflicts between loyalty to country versus family and art versus state control, provides a strong foundation for character development. To improve creatively, focus on integrating these conflicts more seamlessly throughout the narrative, ensuring that key philosophical dilemmas are introduced earlier to build tension and allow for deeper emotional exploration, ultimately making the resolutions at 90-95% feel more organic and impactful rather than abrupt.
Themes

Analysis of the themes of the screenplay and how well they’re expressed.

Key Suggestions:
To improve the script's creative craft, emphasize balancing the high-stakes espionage elements with the central theme of peace and harmony to avoid the story feeling like a thriller that abandons its emotional core. Deepen character development, particularly for Dimitri and Anna, to make their personal sacrifices and redemptive arcs more nuanced and believable, ensuring the surreal aspects like the truth serum enhance rather than detract from the narrative's authenticity. This will strengthen the script's thematic coherence and emotional resonance, making the shift from conflict to unity more compelling and less abrupt.
Logic & Inconsistencies

Highlights any contradictions, plot holes, or logic gaps that may confuse viewers.

Key Suggestions:
As a beginner screenwriter, focus on strengthening character arcs and resolving plot inconsistencies to create a more cohesive and believable narrative. By developing motivations more naturally and addressing gaps in logic, such as abrupt behavior changes and implausible escapes, you can enhance emotional depth and pacing, making the script more engaging and professional.

Scene Analysis

All of your scenes analyzed individually and compared, so you can zero in on what to improve.

Scene-Level Percentile Chart
Hover over the graph to see more details about each score.
Go to Scene Analysis

Other Analyses

Writer Exec

This section looks at the extra spark — your story’s voice, style, world, and the moments that really stick. These insights might not change the bones of the script, but they can make it more original, more immersive, and way more memorable. It’s where things get fun, weird, and wonderfully you.

Unique Voice

Assesses the distinctiveness and personality of the writer's voice.

Key Suggestions:
The writer's voice excels in creating tension and moral ambiguity through sharp dialogue and subtle character interactions, but to elevate the script, focus on integrating more varied pacing and emotional depth in scenes outside the high-tension moments. This would balance the espionage elements with stronger character arcs, making the story more relatable and impactful, while building on the nuanced historical context to avoid over-reliance on plot-driven suspense.
Writer's Craft

Analyzes the writing to help the writer be aware of their skill and improve.

Key Suggestions:
The screenplay shows strong potential with engaging scenes and thematic depth, but key areas like pacing and structure need tightening to maintain momentum and clarity. By focusing on smoother transitions, deeper character motivations, and more nuanced dialogue, the writer can enhance emotional resonance and create a more compelling narrative that captivates audiences from start to finish.
Memorable Lines
Spotlights standout dialogue lines with emotional or thematic power.
Tropes
Highlights common or genre-specific tropes found in the script.
World Building

Evaluates the depth, consistency, and immersion of the story's world.

Key Suggestions:
The script's world-building effectively captures the Cold War era's contrasts, which can be leveraged to strengthen pacing and structure. Focus on integrating these elements more seamlessly into character arcs and plot progression to avoid disjointed scenes, ensuring that the ideological and environmental dichotomies drive emotional depth and narrative flow, ultimately helping to resolve pacing issues common in beginner scripts.
Correlations

Identifies patterns in scene scores.

Key Suggestions:
The scene pattern analysis reveals that the script's heavy emphasis on tense and suspenseful tones creates compelling emotional highs but leads to pacing drags and underdeveloped character arcs due to insufficient variation and plot advancement. As a beginner writer, focus on diversifying scene tones, ensuring tension serves story progression, and integrating meaningful character changes to build a more balanced and engaging narrative, ultimately strengthening the script's structure and emotional depth.
Loglines
Presents logline variations based on theme, genre, and hook.